Familiar face is as good as it ever was
Julie Marshall drives the third generation Qashqai and is not disappointed
I’ ve been writing about Nissan’ s best-selling Qashqai since its launch in 2007 and I still have to check the spelling of it each time.
It’s been a huge success for the Japanese car company with 3.5 million or so being turned out of the factory in Sunderland and three models – the latest launched last year.
It is fair to say that, with the Qashqai, Nissan created a completely new vehicle segment, the crossover( or a family hatchback with the qualities of an SUV) – there was nothing like it on the road at the time and it was seen as a bit of a gamble.
It wasn’t long before most manufacturers had at least one or two of their own and now the SUV in all its guises is ubiquitous.
Version three is not as dramatically styled as the model it replaces. It is slightly larger and more streamlined but it is still identifiable as the popular family hatchback crossover it has always been.
The direct injection DIG-T 1.3 petrol turbo with very mild hybrid assistance comes in either138bhpor156bhpversions and there’s also a new hybrid called e-Power. This comprises of a154hp turbocharged petrol engine and a 140 kW electric motor of similar size and power output as found in Nissan’ s electric vehicles
It has most the benefits of an electric car – silent running and on demand torque – but without the angst of range anxiety,often present in those who drive wholly electric vehicles
For this review we tested the most powerful of the petrol engines with the X-tronic transmission and found it performed well at all speeds with decent acceleration and good over taking.
The 20in wheels on our Tenka+madef or a firm though not uncomfortable ride.
The steering is very light and lacks feedback but on the upside makes the Qashqai easy to manouvre in tight spaces and it has an impressive turning circle.
The A pillar is thinner in this third-generation model for greater visibility and the wing mirrors are on the door not the A pillar as before.
The rear view camera is a welcome bonus, as are the front and rear parking sensors.
The interior is smart with nice detailing and there’s plenty of wiggle room for driver and passengers. Of particuwith lar note are the wide-opening rear doors which are great for anyone with children or those with mobility problems. The boot is roomy and has a maximum capacity of 1379 litres the rear seats folded
The quilted front seats, driver’s seat with eight-way adjustment – add a touch of luxury and all other materials in the cabin are tactile and of good quality
Tenka+ is packed full of kit including adaptive cruise control, warnings that cover just about every eventuality and a head-up display, a welcome featurethat is crop ping up in more manufacturers’ cars these days.
Also welcome are the extra USB connections in the back, the smartphone connectivity and integrated sat nav.
The appeal ofQashqai shows no sign of abating. It performs the role of efficient runaround, with plenty of space for a family and their assorted clutter.
Cost of the Tenka+ is £36,125 with the two-tone pearlescent paint job adding a further £1,145.